Southampton exit close as three clubs come forward with ‘lucrative offers’ for attacker
Nathan Redmond could soon leave Southampton on a permanent basis after three teams offered him a lucrative wage, according to one reliable source.
Redmond came through the Birmingham academy and went on to make 82 appearances for their senior team, scoring nine times. He then had a three-year spell at Norwich before joining Southampton for £11million in summer 2016.
The winger has become an important player at St Mary’s and featured in 32 matches last season, contributing three goals and six assists.
Redmond has fallen down the pecking order at the start of the current campaign though. He has only played once, in a late substitute appearance on the opening day against Tottenham.
Redmond has been left out of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s league squads since then. The manager has generally used Adam Armstrong and Mohamed Elyounoussi in wide areas this term. Stuart Armstrong, Moussa Djenepo and new signing Sam Edozie can also operate in such positions if required, which explains why Redmond isn’t really needed.
As per Dorset Live, Bournemouth made a late approach to capture the one-time England international on transfer deadline day. However, an agreement couldn’t be reached and Redmond stayed with Southampton.
A move could still occur though. Turkey’s transfer window is open until September 8 and three Super Lig clubs want to land Redmond.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the three interested teams are Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. They have all sent Redmond ‘lucrative’ contract ‘offers’ and he is set to leave Southampton as a result.
Southampton deep in talks over Nathan Redmond future
The wide man’s Southampton deal runs until June 2023. As such, Hasenhuttl’s side will receive a small fee for Redmond, though it won’t be as much as if he had a long-term contract with them.
The Saints are apparently ‘finalising talks’ and are ‘ready to grant a fair deal’ to Redmond out of respect. After all, he has been a loyal servant to the club since joining over six years ago.
The player and his agent are now deciding between Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. His best bet could be Besiktas.
They sit top of the Turkish top flight after winning four of their first five league matches. They are also on an unbeaten streak as the only game they dropped points in was a 3-3 draw with Alanyaspor.
Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are also doing well, sitting in third and seventh place respectively. But it is Besiktas who are currently leading the charge as they look to win back the Super Lig title. They lifted it in 2020-21, only for Trabzonspor to triumph last season.
Redmond may follow Dele Alli
Redmond will be thinking about his potential team-mates when considering his new club. By linking up with Besiktas, he would have the chance to play alongside compatriot Dele Alli.
The central midfielder joined Besiktas on loan from Everton in August. The Guardian state Besiktas can make his move permanent for £6m until January, or for £8m next summer.
During his first interview as their new player, Dele appeared very excited to play in front of the club’s fans.
“It’s my first time playing for a club abroad but since I arrived, the feeling has been amazing. The passion I can already feel around the place is amazing,” he said.
“I’m excited to get started and get going, it’s a new challenge for me and one that I’m looking forward to.
“I spoke to a couple of the players before coming here, I spoke to the manager as well and it’s only been positive things said so far. I’m happy to be here and the energy from the fans when I arrived was amazing.”
Turkish teams are renowned for their incredibly passionate supporters, and Dele’s comments could convince Redmond to sign for Besiktas over his other potential suitors.
Meanwhile, Tuesday’s Transfer Gossip includes Man Utd and Liverpool rivalling Bayern Munich for a Barcelona ace.
